Potential MLB Trades

Last week I released an MLB Trade Rumors article speculating on several potential trades. I got a lot of good feedback from that piece which led me to this article.

Indians Deal AsdrubalThe Indian's future at Shortstop is with Francisco Lindor not Asdrubal Cabrera. Asdrubal is set to become a free agent after this season and, at age 28, he could ask for a lot of money. Cabrera has ranked inside the Top 10 in home runs among Shortstops each of the last three seasons. So far this season he has six long balls, which ranks 9th among Shortstops. Lindor was my #4 ranked hitting prospect entering the year.

The Orioles and Marlins are the only two teams in baseball that have yet to have a Shortstop hit a homer this year. Baltimore shouldn't panic with J.J. Hardy despite his slow start. The Marlins' Adeiny Hechavarria isn't known for his power but he does offer solid balance for the Marlins who like him and think he'll grow. I could see the Reds making a move for Asdrubal as they have struggled offensively this season. Red's Shortstops this year have combined to hit just two homers, both from Zack Cozart.

Jason Miller/Getty Images

If the Reds make a move for Asdrubal they'll be giving up solid defense for a better bat. In return, the Indians could use some help on the mound. Jair Jurrgens, yes that Jair Jurrgens, along with RHP Chad Rogers. Both guys are pitching in Triple A at Louisville. Rogers has three plus-pitches and could help the Tribe's bullpen right away. Jurrgens is a reclamation project that could pay off big. Jurrgens won 13+ games for the Braves between 2008 and 2011.

Mike Aviles would be Cabrera's immediate replacement at Shortstop while the team grooms Lindor for a few more months in the minors.

Rays RebuildThe Tampa Bay Rays are in the midst of a horrendous season filled with a lack of scoring and pitching injuries. Their ace David Price is set to become a free agent after the season and he's made no indication he'd be willing to take a pay cut to stay with the small market club. Price would make a great addition to any playoff contender looking for a front of the rotation ace.

The Rays have never shied away from making bold moves in the past so seeing them move Price would not come as a surprise. Seeing them move Ben Zobrist along with Price may shock some, but I believe it's the right move.

Zobrist has a $7.5 million club option for next season with a $500,000 buyout. Considering Zobrist is hitting .241 in 52 games this year, I think he's on his way out.

fieldrush.com

There are many landing spots for Price and Zobrist that make sense. Detroit, Kansas City, Cleveland, St. Louis, Miami, Pittsburgh, San Francisco and Cincinnati are all good fits in my eyes but for the purpose of this article, I'll stick to just one.

San Francisco.

The Giants currently own the best record in baseball but have two glaring weaknesses. Their Second Baseman, Brandon Hicks, is hitting .182 this year with eight home runs (seven came while playing Second Base). That power isn't anything new at Second for the Giants; however, the low average is.

Season2014*2013201220112010

Home Runs742712

Average.174.290.288.265.283

SF Season Results-Won World SeriesMissed PlayoffsWon World SeriesMissed Playoffs

Another weakness, in my opinion, is their lack of a true #2 Starting Pitcher behind Madison Bumgarner. If the Giants do make a move for Price and Zobrist, they would have to deal Ryan Vogelsong or move him, or Tim Lincecum to the bullpen. I understand Tim Hudson is having a resurgence on the mound and Matt Cain's arm is still great, I just think Price would give the Giants added depth for another deep postseason run. Can you imagine a playoff rotation of Madison Bumgarner, Tim Hudson, David Price, Matt Cain and then either Tim Lincecum or Ryan Vogelsong?

Another big plus from acquiring Zobrist, aside from his potential to hit for a high average, would be his ability to play Second Base, Shortstop or any of the Outfield spots if necessary. Brandon Belt should return sometime within the next 2-4 weeks which would force Michael Morse back to Left Field; however, if there are any set backs, Zobrist could man Left Field or First Base.

In return for Price and Zobrist, I would like to see the Rays bring in prospect Outfielder Gary Brown, Middle Infielder Joe Panik, LHP Michael Kickham, LHP Ty Blach and current Major League Outfielder Tyler Colvin. Colvin could come in right away and play against right handed pitchers. From 2011-2013 Colvin hit 26 homers off right handers and just one off south paws. Brown, Panik and Kickham are all playing well at Triple A, while Blach is dominating Double A hitters to the tune of a 2.87 ERA and 1.09 WHIP.

Twins Help The RangersWith Prince Fielder undergoing successful neck surgery at the end of May, the Rangers are in need of a corner infielder for the remainder of the season. Ron Washington and Jon Daniels could look within the organization and call up prospect Joey Gallo or veteran First Baseman Adam Rosales. Gallo is a Third Baseman but he could play across the diamond, his bat is the biggest reason why I think the Rangers could call him up. Gallo hit 40 home runs in the minors in 2013. Rosales is hitting just .264 in Triple A this year but he does have over 300 games of Major League experience for the Rangers, Athletics and Reds combined.

If the Rangers look elsewhere I think they'll call Minnesota for help. The Twins shocked me when they signed free agent Kendrys Morales last week; however, I think it was a smart move. Minnesota is only four games behind the Detroit Tigers for first place in the AL Central entering play on June 11th. If they start to fall off the pace, and I think they will, I could see them dealing Morales.

The Twins also have Phil Hughes as a trade chip.

Hughes is signed through the 2016 season but is in the midst of a career year. Hughes' numbers can be contributed to the use of his cut fastball. He's used his cutter 24.4% of the time this season, a career high.

startribune.com

In return for Kendrys Morales and Phil Hughes I'd like to see the Twins ask for Shortstop Luis Sardinas, Third Baseman Brent Lillibridge, RHP Alec Asher and Catcher J.P. Arencibia. Sardinas is one of the Ranger's top prospects but he should be expendable with Elvis Andrus, Jurickson Profar and Rougned Odor all on the Big League roster. Lillibridge would make a nice utility bench player for the Twins moving forward as he's gained experience playing every infield and outfield position in his career. Arencibia would give the Twins a great compliment to Josmil Pinto in the near future. Kurt Suzuki is a free agent after this season. As for Asher, he's currently pitching in Double A. In 12 starts he's compiled a 3.28 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and a 55:18 K:BB ratio. Asher's fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90's but he's touched 96 MPH in the past.

Sardinas is the key player in the deal from the Twin's perspective. Luis has the potential to hit for a high average and steal 40+ bases in any given season. Sardinas has managed to swipe over 30 bases twice in the minors (2012 and 2013). I wouldn't consider his speed to be "game changing" but he would make a nice lead off hitter for the Twins.

The move would essentially solidify the Twins bench for next year. I think the Twins will call up Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano, two prospects I'm extremely high on, at the start of next season inserting them directly in the lineup in an effort to win a Division title. The Twins aren't too far off from competing annually with their young talent and veteran leaders.

Papelbon to the OriolesAfter picking up his 300th career save on June 10th don't be surprised to see the last place Phillies deal Jonathan Papelbon to a contender. Papelbon currently has a 1.42 ERA, the second lowest of his career. The concern I have with Papelbon, and I'm sure clubs are looking at this as well, is his decreased velocity. This season Jonathan is averaging 91.3 MPH on his fastball - the lowest of his career. He's also seen his velocity decrease each of the past four seasons. This year he's compensated for a slower fastball with an increase use of his slider. This season he's throwing his slider 12.6% of the time.

Papelbon is scheduled to make $13 million next season and he has a vesting option of $13 million in 2016. Not many teams would be willing to take on that kind of money but I believe the Orioles will pull the trigger on such a deal. Baltimore already has three pitchers with multiple saves this season. Zach Britton, Darren O'Day and Tommy Hunter have all pitched with the lead in the ninth inning this year, all three have combined to save 17 games while blowing seven. If the O's don't bring in a Closer, I think Britton will lead Baltimore in saves at season's end.

If you have any other trade ideas, or any ways to make mine better, feel free to post them in the comment section below.